VATICAN (CNS): Cristian Precht, once hailed as a champion of human rights in Chile, was expelled from the priesthood by Pope Francis after being found guilty of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese of Santiago announced his dismissal from the clerical state on September 15 with “no possibility of appeal.”

The decree, sent by Luis Cardinal Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, confirmed “the dispensation from all obligations united to the sacred ordination of Father Cristian Precht Banados.”